Steroid Allegations Hit Womens MMA

It's a time for firsts in women's mixed martial arts, though not
all of it is promising.

Brazilian Carina Damm has
tested positive for Nandrolone, according to the California State
Athletic Commission, following tests conducted after her first
round submission victory over Sophie Bagherdai(Pictures) at Femme Fatale Fighting 4, held
on April 3 in Los Angeles. Damm's nanogram count was reported at
37.9 ng/mL which exceeds the threshold of 2 ng/mL, CSAC official
Bill Douglas stated in an email released Friday.

Damm becomes the first female fighter to face steroid allegations
in the U.S. following government testing. CSAC officials have
suspended Damm for one year and she has been fined $2,500. She will
have opportunity to request a hearing before the CSAC to appeal the
suspension and/or request a lighter sentence.

Undefeated in her last four bouts, Damm was slated to face American
Debi Purcell(Pictures) at a ShoXC event on June 27 in
San Diego, Calif. Purcell signed a three-fight contract with the
promotion a week and a half ago, her first assignment a tilt with
Damm at 130 pounds. Purcell said she was not surprised by Friday's
news.

"it was obvious she was doing it [steroids], but I was just going
to out-cardio and out-muscle her anyways," says Purcell, who hasn't
met Damm in person. "I've been lifting for my whole life, everyday
for I don't know how many years. People have accused me of doing
steroids because I have muscles, which isn't fair. But you can't go
have a normal body and two months later be huge."

Purcell said she has contacted EliteXC reps and is awaiting word on
a new opponent. Purcell does not believe Damm's case will have an
adverse affect on women's MMA, though she does not condone the use
of steroids in the sport.

"I really believe, from the bottom of my heart, for what we do,
that's it's only going to hurt our performance whether it's male or
female - so I think it's stupid," Purcell said.